Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting community feedback on concept designs for the upgrade of Elsie Palmer Field at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve to support both cricket and soccer at the site.
Elsie Palmer Field is home to the North Castlemaine Cricket Club and council has worked closely with the club to ensure the upgraded design continues to support cricket as a primary user.
The concept includes a new synthetic centre wicket, retention of the turf wicket table, and new cricket training nets on the eastern side.
To meet growing demand from the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, the shire’s only soccer club, the design also proposes a multi-sport field that accommodates both cricket and soccer, along with improvements for informal community use.
Mayor Toby Heydon said the project aims to create a flexible and inclusive community facility.
“With such fond memories of playing the Red Hats there – though never troubling the scorers much – I know how important Elsie Palmer Field is to our cricket community, and these upgrades will ensure cricket remains a strong and supported presence at the site,” Cr Heydon said.
“At the same time, we’re responding to major growth in soccer participation to create a shared space that works for both sports and the wider community. We want to hear from residents, players, parents and neighbours before the design is finalised.”
The community consultation is open until March 13.
Residents can contribute by completing a short survey, attending an onsite information session or by providing a written submission.
Details and links are available at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/upgrades-wesley-hill-recreation-reserve